Common Myths About Canned Seafood – Debunked

Think You Know Canned Seafood?

Is canned seafood less nutritious than fresh? Is it packed with preservatives? And does “canned” automatically mean it isn’t fresh?

With so many assumptions surrounding canned seafood, it’s easy to see why it sometimes gets overlooked in favour of the seafood counter. But some of the most common beliefs about canned seafood don’t tell the whole story.

Let’s separate the myths from the facts and take a fresh look at what’s really inside that can.

Myth #1: Canned Seafood Isn’t as Nutritious as Fresh

The reality: Canned seafood is a great source of protein and important nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, depending on the type of seafood.

The canning process does not remove seafood’s nutritional value. Canned seafood can be an easy way to add fish to everyday meals without needing to prepare fresh seafood from scratch, making it a convenient option for a balanced diet.

The takeaway: Don’t dismiss the can simply because it isn’t sitting fresh at the seafood counter.

Myth #2: Canned Means It Isn’t Fresh

The reality: Canning is a preservation method – not a measure of how fresh the seafood was when it was processed.

Seafood can be canned relatively soon after being caught, helping preserve it so it’s ready to enjoy long after your grocery trip.

That means you can have quality seafood waiting in your pantry whenever you need a quick meal.

Myth #3: Canned Seafood Is Packed With Preservatives

The reality: The canning process itself helps preserve seafood. Heat processing helps make the contents shelf-stable, meaning preservatives aren’t needed to keep canned seafood safe and ready to eat.

Still, it’s always smart to check the label. Take a look at the ingredient list and nutrition information rather than assuming every canned product is the same. 

A quick label check can tell you exactly what you are getting.

Myth #4: Canned Seafood Is Boring

The reality: Canned seafood can go way beyond the classic tuna sandwich.

Think tuna shu mai, a fun twist on dumplings; Albacore Spaghetti alla Carrettiera for a quick pasta dinner; or a tuna cheeseball for your next get-together. You can also turn canned tuna into a colourful tabouleh salad or a comforting stuffed conchiglione and butternut squash casserole.

In other words, canned seafood isn’t just a pantry backup. It can be the starting point for meals that are creative, flavourful, and anything but boring.

Myth #5: Canned Seafood Isn’t a Sustainable Choice

The reality: Sustainability isn’t determined by whether seafood comes in a can. It depends on factors such as the species, where it comes from, how it was caught or farmed, and the fishing practices used.

When shopping, look for credible sustainability certifications, consider sourcing information, and choose brands that are transparent about their seafood supply chains.

Ocean’s is committed to helping consumers make seafood choices that protect and preserve our oceans. By paying attention to sourcing and sustainability information, consumers can make more informed choices about the seafood they bring home.

So, Should You Give Canned Seafood a Chance?

Canned seafood definitely deserves a second look!

It can be convenient, nutritious, and surprisingly versatile. It can sit in your pantry until you need it, then become anything from a quick lunch to an impressive dinner. By paying attention to sourcing and sustainability information, you can make choices that support more responsible seafood consumption.

So, next time you’re standing in the seafood aisle, don’t count the cans out.

Explore Ocean’s seafood products and discover your next easy meal!